A humble building next to acres of farm land at 3131 S. Old U.S. 27, just south of St. Johns, Andy T's – named for owner Andy Todosciuk – is chocked full of produce, plants, honey, maple syrup, cider and just about anything else one can imagine. That includes some great pies and other baked goods.

"We're kind of like a miniature Horrock's, but we sell quality products," Todosciuk quipped while flashing a broad smile.

MLive entertainment writer John "Gonzo" Gonzalez and myself stopped by Andy T's on Thursday, Nov. 6, to sample the pies as part of the MLive Michigan's Best Pie search.

Andy T's opened in 1985, when Todosciuk was a fresh graduate of Michigan State University. Todosciuk and wife, Sunday, who is as part a big of the business as Andy, added the bakery in 1990.

The Todosciuks own 288 acres of farmland around the area. They mostly grow vegetables.

They made the change to selling only pies and baked goods made onsite about four years ago. Previously, they also sold goods from outside sources. Diane Toht handles all the baking duties.

Andy T's offers 14 pies, mostly fruit – Michigan-grown, of course – with the two biggest sellers being the caramel apple and cherry versions. The Todosciuks insist on using Michigan products whenever possible.

The caramel apple, the biggest seller "by far," isn't for the faint of heart. It's a generous portion of northern spy apple-based filling, which includes some secret spices, with an oatmeal topping. The caramel is cream cheese-based.

Quite simply, it's a pie that eats like a meal.

"A slice of that and some milk and you'll be ready for a nap," Sunday Todosciuk said.

The Todosciuks wouldn't let us leave without sampling some fresh-from-the-oven Farmer's French bread, a fluffy loaf with baked with cheese and a crust topped with herbs and spices. We were glad they did, as the bread may have even been a bigger hit than the pie.

In addition to all the food products and other merchandise, Andy T's also is an outlet for Michigan beer and wine. The business offers periodic tasting nights and would like to eventually expand to have a tasting room.